Bombardier und Berner & Mattner:

Bombardier and Berner & Mattner:

Framework agreement for development services

Munich, August 11, 2010 - Berner & Mattner Systemtechnik GmbH and Bombardier Transportation have concluded a framework agreement to supply development services for software systems. Berner & Mattner prevailed in an intensive selection process and will continue to be instrumental in the development, testing and assurance of software systems at the German development sites of the Canadian global corporation. Berner & Mattner was awarded because Bombardier was looking for a partner who had been playing a major role in the increasing software orientation and technology in rail traffic for many years and who can contribute experience from other software-oriented branches like aerospace, automotive and defence.

The framework agreement between Berner & Mattner Systemtechnik GmbH and Bombardier Transportation signed in March 2010 includes services in the areas of cross-system train electronics and software. Thus Berner & Mattner will work for Bombardier in the fields of specification, development and safeguarding - including model-based test campaigns, project management and engineering. Here, Berner & Mattner will be continuously involved, from the first inquiry to specification and realization through to final integration into the production processes. Berner & Mattner has already worked for Bombardier in safety-critical developments of vehicle, control and safety systems with difficult homologation processes, such as interlocking systems for 10 years.

Experience gained from important key industries

The worldwide leading manufacturer of rail vehicles has chosen Berner & Mattner primarily with respect to the fundamental market and technology changes towards electronics and software in railway systems. Berner & Mattner contributes the necessary know-how, not only in complex railway technology but also in other safety and certification-critical technology sectors like aerospace, car and truck manufacturing and defence. The company is present predominantly in the German market, which is important for Bombardier.

Revolutions in rail traffic

Thorsten Hiebenthal, Head of the Transportation Systems Department at Berner & Mattner, explains the change of paradigms in rail traffic: "Modern rail traffic uses more and more software and electronics. Software-oriented fields like automotive, aerospace and defence have relied on systematic model-based system development, integration and test campaigns for years, as we have been promoting them since 1979." Governmental approval and climate protection regulations, in particular in Germany, as well as the increasing complexity of railway systems demand an integrated optimization of all processes.

Cross-sector know-how convinces Bombardier

Searching for a partner with cross-sector know-how, Bombardier Transportation chose Berner & Mattner due to its long-standing cooperation. Walter Sokol, Director Onboard Business Central Europe at Bombardier Transportation, Rail Control Solutions, comments the contractual extension towards a strategic alliance: "During our cooperation of more than 10 years, Berner & Mattner has proven to be a competent, reliable and innovative partner in challenging development projects."